Louisiana Tobacco Tax Rate Increase, July 2015

The rate of tax on tobacco will increase in Louisiana by two and ten-twentieths of one cent per cigarette, effective July 1, 2015. In more digestible terms, this means the tax on a 20-cigarette pack will jump from 36 cents to 68 cents—the same rate in effect in nearby Mississippi.

Vapor products

In addition to a cigarette tax rate increase, HB 119 imposes tax on electronic cigarettes and vapor products, at the rate of 5 cents per milliliter. Please see the text of the bill for a definition of vapor products.

Advocates of the higher tax, including longtime smoker Rep. Harold Ritchie (D), predict the higher rates will help reduce the consumption of tobacco products (The Advocate).

Gail began researching and writing about sales tax in 2012 and has been fascinated with it ever since. She has a penchant for uncovering unusual tax facts, and endeavors to make complex sales tax laws more digestible for both experts and laypeople.